Top

Sleep Medication Quiz

Sleepwell / Sleeping Pills / Sleep Medication Quiz

What do you know about sleeping pills? Take our quiz.

Round 1

#1. Sleeping pills cause insomnia.

A leading cause of insomnia is the sleeping pill withdrawal syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by a number of different symptoms, depending on the type of sleeping that is stopped. The leading symptom of the syndrome is insomnia. Learn more about the vicious cycle of sleeping pill use.

#2. Sleeping pill use has declined over the last 10 years because of new, better, drug-free treatments.

The overall use of sleeping pills has not declined, despite research showing that non-pharmacological approaches are better. The number of people taking benzodiazepines has declined over time, but more people are taking Z-drugs and, of concern, sedating antidepressants and antipsychotics for insomnia. Learn about CBTi, a better treatment for insomnia than sleeping pills.

#3. Some types of sleeping pills are for chronic insomnia and can be used each night for 4 weeks or longer.

All medications approved for treating insomnia in Canada to be used typically for 2 weeks or less and no longer than 4 weeks. This is because the risks outweigh the benefits and there are safer, more effective alternatives.

#4. Z-drugs (such as zopiclone) are safer options than benzodiazepines (such as lorazepam).

Z-drugs and benzodiazepines work the same way and have the same risks. Studies show that the risk for falls and fractures is increased with Z-drugs, just as it is with benzodiazepines. Learn more about the dangers of sleeping pills.

#5. Cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBTi) is recommended first-line for treating insomnia. Sleeping pills are to be used second-line.

American and European guidelines for the treatment of insomnia recommend CBTi first-line. Sleeping pills are only to be used short-term if CBTi is not effective.

DONE

Quiz

What do you know about sleeping pills? Take our Sleep Medication Quiz.

Dangers

Learn about the various risks associated with sleeping pills.

Vicious Cycle

It is common for you to experience a return of insomnia when stopping sleeping pills.

History

Learn how sleeping pills have been used to treat insomnia throughout our history.

Stopping

Learn how Terry gradually reduced and stopped taking sleeping pills.

Guide and Planner

Learn how to stop sleeping pills safely while getting your sleep back.